FiiO BTR17 Bluetooth 5.4 USB DAC AMP with LDAC, aptX Lossless. Dual ES9069Q, 10-Band PEQ, THX AAA 78+amps 3.5mm Unbalanced & 4.4mm Balanced (Black)
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AI Verdict
A $199 Bluetooth DAC that pushes 650mW of desktop-grade power to demanding headphones, perfect for audiophiles who want wired fidelity without the tether.
The BTR17 packs 650mW of output power in Desktop Mode, driving power-hungry planars while bypassing the 1200mAh battery to prevent degradation. The QCC5181 chip enables aptX Lossless and LDAC, delivering 96kHz/24bit transmission for sensitive IEMs with a pitch-black noise floor.
If you need a device small enough for a coin pocket, look for a dongle weighing under 30 grams with a built-in clip.
Regret Score™
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Critically weak dimension
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Pros
- Desktop mode bypasses the 1200mAh battery and delivers 650mW of output power
- aptX Lossless and LDAC support provides 96kHz/24bit transmission for near-wired fidelity
- Dual ES9069Q DACs create a pitch-black background with zero hiss on sensitive IEMs
- Physical PC/BT/PHONE switch allows instant source swapping without menu diving
- 10-band PEQ works globally across both Bluetooth and wired USB connections up to 192kHz
Cons
- Volume knob wobbles in its socket and feels cheaper than the aluminum chassis
- Firmware v0.51 is mandatory to fix out-of-the-box Bluetooth crackling
- Defaults to aptX HD unless you manually disable all other codecs in the companion app
- Measures nearly 4 inches tall, making it too large for a jeans coin pocket
Dimension Scores
Dual ES9069Q DACs deliver a pitch-black background and transparent sound with zero hiss on sensitive IEMs.
Desktop mode pushes 650mW at 32Ω through the 4.4mm jack, easily driving planar magnetic headphones.
Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless is cutting-edge, though firmware bugs force you to manually disable codecs to keep LDAC active.
The aluminum and leather chassis looks premium, but the volume knob has a cheap wobble and the 4-inch tall body reduces pocketability.
Best For
- Powering demanding planar magnetic headphones at a desk using the 650mW Desktop Mode
- Upgrading wired IEMs to wireless using LDAC or aptX Lossless codecs
- Swapping between a Windows PC and a smartphone using the physical toggle switch
Not Recommended For
- Listeners wanting a tiny, coin-pocket DAC for the gym
- Users who refuse to use companion apps to update firmware
Watch Out For
- Bluetooth crackles out of the box — you must update to firmware v0.51 immediately to fix the noise.
- LDAC refuses to stay connected — it defaults to aptX HD unless you manually disable every other codec in the FiiO Control app.
- Desktop mode requires a dedicated power cable to avoid draining your phone, and FiiO does not include a second cable in the box.
- The volume knob has a noticeable wobble, feeling flimsy compared to the premium leather and aluminum body.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DM8WYT3Z |
| Brand | FiiO |
| Color | Black |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Impedance | 1 Ohms |
| Generation | 17 |
| Model Name | BTR17 |
| Form Factor | In Ear |
| Item Weight | 8.4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | FiiO |
| Cable Feature | Without Cable |
| Ear Placement | In Ear |
| Noise Control | None |
| Control Method | App |
| Earpiece Shape | rounded tips |
| Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Item model number | BTR17 |
| Compatible Devices | Laptops, Smartphone |
| Hardware Interface | Bluetooth |
| Package Dimensions | 6.54 x 4.65 x 1.57 inches |
| Carrying Case Color | Black |
| Included Components | Cable |
| Input Device Interface | 3.5mm, 4.4mm, Bluetooth |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Supports Bluetooth Technology | Yes |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
What Buyers Say
Desktop mode changes the math by letting you push 650mW of power without cooking the internal battery. Early adopters dealt with frustrating Bluetooth crackling until firmware v0.51 resolved the noise floor issues. The physical PC/BT/PHONE switch prevents menu diving when moving from a laptop to a phone. Wrestling with the FiiO Control app is required to force LDAC connections because the device stubbornly defaults to aptX HD.
“Endgame sound for the price but update the firmware the second you open the box or the bluetooth crackle will drive you insane.”
Common Praise
- Desktop mode bypasses the battery and doubles the power output to 650mW
- Pitch-black background with zero hiss on sensitive IEMs like the IE900
- Physical toggle switch makes swapping between PC and phone instant
- aptX Lossless codec sounds indistinguishable from a wired connection
Common Complaints
- Volume knob feels flimsy and wobbles in its socket
- Bluetooth crackles out of the box before updating the firmware
- Device defaults to aptX HD unless you disable other codecs in the app
- Too large and heavy to fit comfortably in a jeans coin pocket
Ownership Tips
- The 1200mAh battery gets about 7-8 hours on balanced output, falling short of all-day listening.
- You need a separate power cable for desktop mode to avoid draining your phone, and FiiO omits a second cable in the box.
- The leather-backed design looks great but the included pleather case is bulky and collects dust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Desktop Mode drain my phone battery?
No. Flipping the switch to Desktop Mode and plugging in a dedicated power cable bypasses the internal battery. It draws power directly from the wall, saving both your phone and the BTR17's battery lifespan.
Can I use the PEQ over a wired USB connection?
Yes. The 10-band PEQ works globally across both Bluetooth and wired USB connections at sampling rates up to 192kHz.
Why does my unit keep switching from LDAC to aptX HD?
This is a known firmware bug. You must open the FiiO Control app and manually disable every other Bluetooth codec so the device is forced to use LDAC.
Is there background hiss with sensitive IEMs?
No. The dual ES9069Q DACs maintain a pitch-black background even with highly sensitive IEMs like the Sennheiser IE900, provided you update to the latest firmware.
How long does the battery actually last?
Expect around 7 to 8 hours at medium volume using the 4.4mm balanced output. The 1200mAh battery drains faster if you push hard-to-drive headphones.
Buying Guide
You are buying this to turn your high-end wired headphones into a wireless setup without sacrificing audio quality. The dual DACs and THX amps draw serious power, requiring a recharge every 7 hours of listening. You must download the FiiO Control app immediately to update the firmware and fix the out-of-the-box Bluetooth bugs. If you only use cheap earbuds, this 650mW amplifier is massive overkill.
aptX Lossless & LDAC
These are high-bandwidth Bluetooth pipes. They squeeze massive audio files through the air so your music retains detail instead of sounding compressed and muddy.
Desktop Mode (Battery Bypass)
It lets you plug the device into the wall to power demanding headphones without constantly charging and ruining the internal lithium battery.
650mW Output Power
This is the muscle pushing the sound. It means you can plug in massive, hard-to-drive planar headphones and they will actually get loud and punchy.
Alternatives
If you want something smaller with a better app experience, look for a device with a QCC5124 chip and a parametric EQ built into a lighter chassis, sacrificing the 4.4mm balanced output.
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